a project for everyday

I've been thinking for a while about making myself an "Arizona-friendly" pantsuit for my 8-5 corporate life. I found 2 simple patterns a while back, and decided that the way I would make the outfit AZ friendly would be by using lighter fabrics that would breathe better in the desert air. I chose a nice weight of good quality black linen (and then let the fabric & patterns sit in my sewing room for a couple of months!).

tonight I took initiative and cut out both my sport coat & capri pants. the proof is in the pile!:


in the end the pants are only 2 fronts, 2 backs, and waist lining = pretty simple:

I really like this pattern. It is really versatile, and extremely simple. It came with a lot of different looks/pieces - and leaves me with a lot of room for artistic individuality.

the coat, on the other hand, will be a little more challenging - only because (as usual) I have my own idea of a creative alternative to the contruction, which makes using part of the pattern a little complicated, but it will turn out! I promise!


see, pretty simple! I'm actually doing view C, and I probably won't even bother with the fake pocket flap either. the change I am making in the pattern is that I want to do a cute/colorful lining with a contrasting textured fabric. since the outside of the coat is going to be black linen, I was thinking it would be super cute to have the inside be some of of pink polka dotted satin - or something with equivalent cute-factor.

my theory is that then I can put the whole outfit together with pretty pink camisoles or pressed shirts, and if my jacket opens for some reason, there will be that little accent of flair or flavor.

I don't know, maybe I'm just making more work for myself...

we'll see!

runs with scissors

So - last night I stayed up until roughly 2am making a completely new dress - from start to finish in 5 hours. It is this great McCalls pattern (pictured) that I have been coveting for a few weeks.

I found a fabric that is oh so very asian, accented in pink & forrest green.

(pictures will come once my digital camera returns safely from Pennsylvania with my boyfriend btw)

Interesting things I learned from this particular project -

Following pattern directions precisely is not a bad thing. In the past I have not been one to do this. In fact, I get angry at myself if I DO follow all the directions. maybe it's the rebel in me...but I just HAVE TO cut a corner somewhere. Last night, however, I did (just about) everything the pattern said to do - and I have an awesome dress! *SHOCK!* The only things I didn't do were the 5/8 seam allowance, slipstitching the collar facing, and slipstitching the hem facing.

Let me say something about 5/8 seam allowances....THEY SUCK! I just don't get them, and can't bring myself to do them! ESPECIALLY when the very next direction from the pattern (after sewing each stitch) is to trim the damn seam! WHAT?!? That is an exercise in inefficiency if you ask me - therefore, I will not sew 5/8 seam allowances. I generally use 3/8 seam allowances because that just makes more sense.

Other than that (and the hand stitching), I ironed every friggin seam flat, I gathered between specified marks, I interfaced, I matched seams & hems, and I am amazed at the difference in quality & look.

This morning I drop in starbucks on the way to work in my new dress - and before I get to my car I receive 2 passionate compliments on my "gorgeous dress." wow. thank you anonymous peoples! I didn't admit to either person that I had made the dress myself. I find that weird, but I suppose (in afterthought) that I should've acknowledged my hard work and creativity by admitting that it was a Ri Ri original.

In retrospect I feel that this sewing experience is much like my education in cooking - in that - recipes are precise & calculated and you can leave out an ingredient, but it just won't be the same. It won't taste as good.

A pinch of salt makes a huge friggin difference - seriously. pick a recipe and make 2 versions - one with the required salt, and one without. I guarantee that you will notice a difference.